Bourne school panel extends School Choice to elementary grades

The school committee unanimously voted Wednesday night to extend the School Choice program to the elementary Grades 1 through 4.

The school committee unanimously voted Wednesday night to extend the School Choice program to the elementary Grades 1 through 4.

No more than 10 out-of-district youngsters would be accepted at both James F. Peebles and Bournedale Elementary Schools where class sizes would not be allowed to exceed 23 kids. Class sizes now average 17 students.

The vote does not include kindergarten. It does also allow up to 40 out-of-district students in both Grades 5-8 and 9-12 at Bourne High School.

Parents of students living out of Bourne may apply for classroom slots with the appropriate building principals. Superintendent Steve Lamarche makes the final authorization. He said he has two applications being his approval on his desk.

“We have an incredible program,” Lamarche said. “We have excellent teachers. It’s time to open this up.”

School committee chairman Matthew Stuck agreed with the superintendent. “It’s a great idea. This program will make out district stronger,” he said.

The flat fee for a School Choice student totals $5,000. If the youngster is a special education student, the charge would be appropriately higher based on educational needs.